David Weir has left Everton FC to take up the vacant managerial post at Sheffield United.

The Scot was reserve team coach at Goodison Park, but was named as new Blades boss this afternoonafter holding constructive talks with chairman Kevin McCabe last week. He has signed a three year contract.

The role at Bramall Lane will be Weir’s first in management.

The 43-year-old emerged as the outstanding candidate after another ex-Everton man, Stuart McCall, turned down the job at the League One outfit last month.

Weir’s departure would be a blow to new Blues boss Roberto Martinez, who had been hoping to speak with the former Scotland defender about increasing his duties at Goodison.

Chairman Bill Kenwright had spoken at Martinez’s unveiling last week about the importance of utilising the skills of the former Blues on the coaching staff. Kenwright held talks with Weir, along with Alan Stubbs, Duncan Ferguson and the now-departed Phil Neville, before appointing Martinez, and admitted he had been “impressed” by their credentials.

Everton are set for a major overhaul of their coaching staff in the next few weeks.